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By Indira Duarte
Updated on September 19, 2025
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Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada.
It is located on the West Coast of Canada, just 50 kilometres north of the US border. Seattle is 230km to the south, about a 3-4 hour drive.
The Strait of Georgia lies immediately to the west. Beyond that is Vancouver Island (known locally as ‘The Island’), and the Pacific Ocean.
Vancouver frequently ranks highly as one of the world’s most livable cities. Perhaps it has something to do with its scenic location. Vancouver is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains. Which means you have easy access to beach and mountain activities. Ever gone skiing and played beach volleyball in the same day? That’s what makes living in Vancouver an ideal base for year-round activities. Vancouver’s natural landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The city’s coastline offers amazing views and great beaches, while the mountains offer hiking trails and snow sports. Living in ‘Beautiful British Columbia‘, world-renowned for its natural beauty, is ideal if you have an appreciation for the outdoors. Even if you don’t, you will still find something to love about Vancouver. The city’s environment encourages a healthy lifestyle for residents.
Vancouver life is special because of its setting, surrounded by the sea and the mountains. It has a diverse, metropolitan area, yet you’re always close to nature. Residents have the best of both worlds. Thanks to its milder climate compared to other Canadian cities, Vancouver appeals to those who want to enjoy outdoor activities and outdoor recreation year-round.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna & Andy 🌿 Outdoorsy Travel (@roamncreate)
A post shared by Anna & Andy 🌿 Outdoorsy Travel (@roamncreate)
The Downtown core of Vancouver is located on a peninsula, which means it’s surrounded by water on three sides. It also means the only way to expand downtown is by building up. As a result, downtown Vancouver is condensed within a small area. Residential high-rises and office blocks all contribute to a fantastic skyline.
The entire area is circled by the sea. From downtown, you can access the Vancouver Seawall and many beaches are only a short walk away.
The Downtown area includes the famous Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. It offers more than 1,000 acres of park encircled by the sea wall.
English Bay to the south of downtown offers a collection of sandy beaches (English Bay Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach and Sunset Beach) when you need a break from the city.
The downtown area itself is very residential. There are over 500,000 people living downtown, where everything is within walking distance. Residents also enjoy excellent access to public transportation and city amenities, making it convenient to get around and take advantage of everything the area has to offer.
Some 2.5 million people are living in Vancouver’s metropolitan area. This includes the City of Vancouver (600,000), along with neighbouring urban areas which are formal cities in their own right. The major ones are: Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Delta, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, and West Vancouver. Areas like North Vancouver offer all the amenities of Vancouver life, making them especially attractive to newcomers.
With rapid growth and a population of around 500,000, the city of Surrey is expected to overtake the City of Vancouver as the highest-populated city in Western Canada in the next decade.
See our Where to Live in Vancouver guide for more information on Vancouver neighbourhoods.
The summer months are typically dry, but temperate and rarely uncomfortably hot. In contrast, most days during late fall (November to March) are rainy. Vancouver is known for its wet winters, with frequent rainfall throughout the season.
This regular rain can be one of the toughest things about Vancouver life. The upside to the dreary, rainy winter weather is that when it’s raining in the city, it’s usually snowing on the nearby mountains. This phenomenon allows for snow sports like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
And for many, the rain can be worth tolerating. Especially considering the dry and sunny months from April to October. Vancouver is one of the driest cities in Canada during the summer months.
Unlike many other Canadian cities, Vancouver experiences much less snowy winters, making its climate milder and more appealing to those looking to avoid harsh winter conditions.
We hear this question all the time. And, when it comes to the cost of living, Vancouver is considered an expensive city, ranking as one of the most costly cities in Canada. But what does this mean?
The average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is currently $2,825 in the city, according to Rentals.ca.
An average phone plan in Vancouver costs approximately $65 per month. On average, transportation will set you back $140 per month. Finally, the cost of groceries and related household items could be about $500 per month or more.
Vancouver, BC, is a city where career ambitions and lifestyle aspirations go hand in hand. Thanks to its stunning natural beauty and mild climate, Vancouver attracts professionals from around the world who are eager to enjoy both rewarding job opportunities and an exceptional quality of life. The city’s economy is robust and diverse, with thriving sectors such as technology, film and television, tourism, and international trade. The downtown core is a hub for major companies, innovative startups, and small businesses, offering a wide range of roles for job seekers in fields like business, healthcare, education, and the arts.
If you’re exploring career opportunities with some of the top employers in Vancouver, there’s no shortage of impressive options. In 2025, companies like SAP Canada, Teck Resources Limited, Arrow Transportation Systems, and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) were recognized among BC’s Top 100 Employers for their commitment to innovation, employee well-being, and workplace excellence. Vancouver also hosts major players such as Lululemon, Amazon, Hootsuite, and RBC—some of the biggest companies in the city, offering exciting roles across industries like tech, finance, and retail.
Vancouver’s strategic location on Canada’s west coast, close to the US border and the Pacific Ocean, makes it a key player in global commerce and a gateway for international business. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, launch a new venture, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance, Vancouver’s dynamic job market and natural beauty make it an ideal place to build your future.
The average salary of a Vancouver resident is currently $5,792 per month, around $33 per hour. These figures mean that Vancouver has some of the most competitive salaries among Canadian major cities, and when compared to other cities in Canada, Vancouver’s salaries and living wage are generally higher, reflecting the city’s higher cost of living.
Public transport in Vancouver is excellent, so it’s easy to time your trips. Translink is the main operator. It runs a network of buses, rapid transit trains (SkyTrain), commuter rail (West Coast Express), and sea ferry (SeaBus) between North Vancouver and Vancouver.
Since 2015, the Compass Card has been available across the network. It’s similar to the Oyster Card in London, or the Leap Card in Ireland. It allows passengers to pre-load money onto their cards (known as adding ‘stored value’). You simply tap your card on each journey to deduct your fare. A $6 deposit is required when you buy the card.
You can purchase a reloadable Compass card at a vending machine, transit station or one of the many drugstores and convenience stores that carry them. Pay your fare by “tapping in,” and “tap out” (except on buses) when you exit to avoid overcharging. Or pay your fare by tapping your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card, or Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. It will automatically charge one adult, cash fare.
Tickets are valid for 90 minutes, and you can use them across buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. You can start a journey on one method of transport, hop off, and complete your journey on a second service. It’s all for the same fare, so long as it’s within the 90-minute window.
For buses, a single ticket valid for 90 minutes will cost you $2.95 if paying by cash. Compass Card users get a reduced rate of $2.30. The same fare applies no matter what distance you travel, so long as the bus is the sole method of transport.
For SkyTrain and SeaBus, the metropolitan area is divided into three zones. The SeaBus travels between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver, located across the Burrard Inlet. Your fare will depend on how many zones you travel through on your journey.
As of June, 2020, cash fares cost $3.00, $4.25, or $5.75. Compass Card fares cost $2.40, $3.45, or $4.50, and represent significant savings compared to cash fares.
After 6:30pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays, a one-zone fare is in effect. This means fares will cost $3.00 (cash) or $2.40 (Compass Card), no matter how far you travel.
Monthly passes are also available. They run by calendar month, and allow for unlimited travel on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses. They cost $98, $131, or $177, depending on how many zones are required. You can load the monthly pass onto the Compass Card.
For cash fares, you’ll receive a small paper ticket (known as a ‘Proof of Payment Transfer’). Take this with you. It will be valid for 90 minutes and you can use it for further travel.
Visit translink.ca for trip planners and further information, or download the Radar for Metro Vancouver Buses (unofficial) app for real-time information.
TransLink’s transportation network includes bus routes that connect with SkyTrain rapid transit lines and SeaBus passenger ferries.
When travelling from YVR airport into the city, you will see a $5 surcharge added to the standard fare. Buses can carry a limited number of bicycles, and most routes are wheelchair-lift equipped. Text the stop number 333-33 to receive times for the next six buses.
Cabs in Vancouver are metered, so there’s no need to negotiate a fare. But rates do not include gratuities. A tip of 10% to 15% of the fare is customary. When travelling from the airport into the city, taxis charge a flat fee based on zone (see above).
As of January, 2020, Uber and Lyft are now part of the Vancouver transportation infrastructure. Their arrival, and that of other similar car services, had been projected for some while but faced opposition. Now, it looks like they are going to be a mainstay of transport in Vancouver for the foreseeable future.
Vancouver is very cycle-friendly, with a network of dedicated bike lanes and traffic-calmed bike paths. Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks. Ride on the road when these designated routes aren’t available. By law, cyclists must wear a helmet and have a bell on their bicycle.
Be sure to lock up your bike! Bicycle theft is common, so invest in a sturdy U-lock or folding steel lock — cable locks are never recommended. If you don’t want to buy and store your own two-wheeled transport, bike-share program Mobi is a good option.
Traffic and parking are concerns for every driver, especially if you’re travelling in the busy downtown core. When driving or parking in busy downtown areas, remember to be street smart—stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.
If you are a newcomer, consider signing up for a car-sharing app like Car2Go and Evo. They are convenient options for one-way trips and offer a lot of parking options. Read our full article about Carsharing in Vancouver.
Heading out of town? There are plenty of car rental agencies around the city and at YVR Airport.
Education plays a key role in Vancouver’s appeal, offering families and individuals access to quality education at every level. The city is home to prestigious institutions such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), along with a wide range of colleges, technical schools, and language programs. Vancouver’s public schools are known for their strong focus on quality education, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel supported and empowered.
Parents can choose from a variety of programs tailored to different learning styles and needs, including dedicated support for students with special requirements. Outside the classroom, the city offers rich opportunities for lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. The Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch, the largest in the city, is a vibrant hub for research, reading, and community programs. Meanwhile, the Royal BC Museum, one of the largest and most significant museums in British Columbia, offers immersive exhibits in history, culture, and natural sciences.
With its multicultural environment and strong commitment to educational excellence, Vancouver is an exceptional place to grow academically and personally—whether you’re just starting school or pursuing advanced studies.
Vancouver is celebrated for its vibrant community spirit and endless opportunities to connect with others. Downtown Vancouver buzzes with energy, hosting a diverse array of cultural events, festivals, and gatherings that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. One of the highlights is the Vancouver International Film Festival, which draws filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world and showcases the city’s creative pulse.
Each neighborhood in Vancouver has its own unique character, from the lively streets of the city center to the relaxed vibe of local parks and beaches. Whether you’re interested in joining community groups, attending live music events, or exploring art galleries, there’s always something happening. Vancouver’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community make it easy for newcomers to build friendships, expand their networks, and feel right at home in this beautiful city.
Vancouver offers residents peace of mind with its comprehensive and accessible healthcare system. The city is served by several leading hospitals, such as Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital, as well as numerous community clinics and health centers. All residents benefit from British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), which ensures universal healthcare coverage and access to a wide range of medical services.
Vancouver is also recognized as a center for medical research and innovation, with top-tier research institutions and hospitals driving advancements in healthcare. The city’s healthcare system is well-integrated with social services, making it easy for newcomers to access the support they need. Whether you’re seeking routine care or specialized treatment, Vancouver’s healthcare infrastructure is designed to keep you and your family healthy and well-supported.
Get immigration updates & new resources to help you move to Canada and succeed after arrival.
Vancouver is also known for its great restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines and tastes, so food enthusiasts will be in their element living in Vancouver. There is a wide range of menus to suit every type of budget, with some restaurants boasting tasty $5 main courses.
Vancouver is a food lover’s paradise. It is perennially voted as one of the best dining cities in North America. Also, Vancouver is always competing for foodie accolades against other major international cities such as London, Paris and New York.
Tourists love to visit the city and sample tasty cuisine from some of the world’s best chefs. Yaletown is always changing, with new restaurants popping up every month. Robson Street is filled with so many restaurants— it’s hard to choose just one. Visitors, and those living in Vancouver, might just restaurant-hop throughout their entire stay in the city.
Sushi fanatics always enjoy a taste of Vancouver life. There are sushi places on almost every block, especially around Robson Street. Visitors must try the Pacific Coast seafood in restaurants, as BC has some of the freshest and most creative dishes found anywhere.
Vancouverites are coffee drinkers, and you might just pick up on this because there is a Starbucks or Blenz on every corner. The city is filled with coffee shops, especially in neighborhoods like Kitsilano, making it easy to relax, socialize, and enjoy the local vibe. The coffee craze may have begun in Seattle, but it has definitely crossed over into Vancouver. Starbucks even hands out espresso samples on the street. So you’re never too far from a caffeine buzz!
Gone are the days when Vancouver’s street food meant only hot dogs and roasted chestnuts. Thanks to a city-led initiative, the local food cart scene has transformed into a dynamic and delicious showcase of global flavours. Today, you’ll find everything from Korean-style tacos and wild salmon burgers to El Salvadorian pupusas, Japanese karaage, and Ukrainian comfort food—all served curbside.
In April 2025, the city announced the addition of 12 new food carts, bringing the total to 103 vendors across Vancouver. From Thai street noodles to French crêpes, the lineup continues to reflect the city’s multicultural appetite. You can read more about the latest additions in this Georgia Straight article.
To find out what’s nearby and what’s trending, Street Food App offers an up-to-date map of food trucks and carts across the city—making it easy to grab something delicious on the go.
Nightlife in Vancouver is typically pretty quiet as the city has very strict licensing and health & safety laws. Regulations against standing in bars and capacity limitations severely hinder the social life of the city.
Dreaded ‘line-ups’ tend to take the fun out of the evening for most newcomers. 15-minute waits at most busy bars and clubs on weekends are an aspect of Vancouver life that nobody enjoys.
Many find that “ninja” drinking on the beach or a BBQ with friends is often the easier option in the summer months. Vancouver life certainly doesn’t revolve around parties, but nightlife is slowly improving.
While the Entertainment District on Granville street downtown is the epicentre, this area mainly attracts teenagers and people in their early twenties living in Vancouver. The nightlife seeps into Gastown which has a good mix of cafés, bars, disco bars, cocktail bars, and trendy clubs, and over to Davie Street (the gay scene).
Commercial Drive, with its political and Latin cultures, is lively well into the early hours. A youngish, fashionable crowd hangs out on Yew Street in Kitsilano.
Main Street has a number of small, funky music venues with both a young hipster scene and young couples atmosphere. Yaletown offers a more trendy, pretentious alternative with many expensive cafés, restaurants and clubs.
Read more: How to make new friends in Canada
Choosing between Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal isn’t easy—they’re three of Canada’s most iconic cities, each offering a unique lifestyle, culture, and set of opportunities. Whether you’re thinking about relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, understanding the differences in cost of living, job markets, climate, and overall vibe can make all the difference. In our full comparison article, we break down what makes each city stand out—and which one might be the best fit for your next chapter. Read on to discover Which Canadian city aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Visit these resources for more insights into Vancouver life. Moving2Canada is here to help all those living in Vancouver.
Canada Abroad is a transparent Canadian immigration consultancy with advice you can trust. Led by Deanne Acres-Lans (RCIC #508363), the team delivers professional, regulated, and efficient service.
Led by Anthony Doherty (RCIC #510956) and Cassandra Fultz (#514356), the Doherty Fultz team uses their 40+ years of experience to empower you towards settling in Canada.
Led by Jenny Perez (RCIC #423103), Perez McKenzie Immigration is a Canadian immigration consultancy based in British Columbia, with offices in Vancouver and Whistler.
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